Infrared Security Cameras are a great choice for both daytime and nighttime video surveillance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Infrared Security Camera

When shopping for an infrared camera things you want to consider are the resolution of the camera sensor, size of lens (e.g. 6mm, 8mm) provided and the infrared distance. Obviously the higher the resolution of the camera the better the image quality but that should not be your only consideration. The size of the lens will determine your field of view or viewing angle. While the number and size of the LEDs along with the lens will determine how far you can see in complete darkness.

• IR distance ratings are the maximum distance an object can be illuminated, but as with any light source the closer you get to its maximum range the less light will reach the object. So if you want to be able to see someone 50 feet away you'll be better off selecting a camera with a rating 65 feet or more.
   
• Not all cameras are equal when it comes to weatherproofing. The IP Code (or International Protection Rating) is a rating of how well a device is protected from the elements. Not all cameras state their IP rating but IP65 is considered good for most outdoor weather conditions. If your camera will be exposed to some severe weather conditions you should probably choose a camera with an IP66 rating or higher.
   
• Generally for nearby surveillance of 20 feet to 30 feet a 3.6mm to 4.3mm lens is good. This will give you a wide view of the area and facial recognition out to about 25 feet. This doesn't mean you can't see people or objects much further away they'll just appear smaller and harder to see clearly. If you need to see facial detail at a further distance of 35 to 50 feet away you would probably want to go with a 6mm or 8mm lens. Some cameras are equipped with a vari-focal lens which allows you to manually increase or decrease the lens size to suit your need. Keep in mind that the larger the lens size for any given distance the more detail you will see but your field of view will be smaller.
   
• Use our Lens Field of View calculator for help on determining the size lens you need.